Chichester Fringe – 2026 Commissioning Grant Winners

This year, we are thrilled to be able to support another two companies, with the return of our Commissioning Grant, which is kindly supported by Chichester City Council. The grant is for those who need additional financial support in order to develop their performance, including helping to secure rehearsal space, props or costume. This year’s winners are theatrical company The Audition Room and Chichester University graduate Tom Pagett.

Tom said, “I’m DELIGHTED to be bringing ‘735’ back to Chichester for the Fringe this year, having made the original version at the university. It was an amazing surprise to have received the Commissioning Grant, and it has been a massive help in putting the show together. I can’t thank the team behind Chichester Fringe enough for their support, and I can’t wait to see everyone on June 4th in The Nest!”

Summer Tewkesbury and Fillipe Ribeiro from The Audition Room said, “We’re so grateful to the Fringe team for their support and for believing in our improv show. This opportunity will make a huge difference as we continue developing ‘Who Wrote This?’, and we’re really excited about the potential to grow it beyond the Fringe. Rehearsals are already underway, and we can’t wait for our brilliant cast to show you what they’ve got this coming June!”

The fringe has awarded them £250 each to help bring their work to life, as well as a place to debut their work in the Chichester Fringe 2026 programme. Audiences can watch both shows at The Nest on 4 June.

Tickets are on sale now for all 2026 shows: head to the Chichester Fringe website so as to be kept updated and to secure your tickets: www.chichesterfringe.co.uk.